Kari-Dawn Wuttunee

Kari-Dawn Wuttunee is a young Cree woman from the Red Pheasant First Nation in Treaty Six Territory who now resides in Saskatoon . Kari currently works with the Saskatoon Health Region as the Aboriginal Community Developer with Primary Health – in this role Kari is able to advocate for Aboriginal wellness and health while working in teams of health professionals and providers.

She has been spending her time passionately advocating for young women within her community, tackling issues such as reproductive health, anto-racism and anti-oppressive systematic policies. This work has opened up the platform for Kari-dawn to attend youth forums and gathering to provide insight and support of young Indigenous women providing a framework of understanding through anti-racism views.

She is currently a youth regional director for the Native Women’s Association of Canada and represents youth for the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Women’s Circle Corporation. Through her experience within her community and volunteer work with National Aboriginal Organizations, it became apparent that neo-colonialism and racism often govern the decisions of Indigenous peoples rights. This has sparked a fire that burns in Kari-Dawn, as she works towards facilitating change, and restructuring at different levels of governing systems. Kari is an alumnus of Next Up's 7-month program, and a member of our advisory committee. She will help facilitate the first and last day of our five days together.